By BANNERNEWS Reporter
The Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed concern over recurring fire incidents, falling construction debris damaging its secretariat, and poor road conditions that continue to endanger the lives of journalists and members of the public.
The concerns were highlighted during two key events held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar — a special prayer session tagged Solemn Assembly and the Council’s January 2026 Congress — where members reflected on the state of the union and developments in the state.
The prayer session was organised to thank God for protection over journalists and to seek divine guidance for the year ahead, amid the occupational hazards associated with media practice in the state.
Chairman of the Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, said the spiritual exercise was necessary, noting that gratitude to God was vital as the union navigates a new year filled with expectations and challenges.
Addressing journalists, a cleric of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN), Rev. Patience Ekongetta, assured members that 2026 would bring greater testimonies for the union, stressing that God’s glory would be more evident than in previous years.
Quoting Haggai 2:9, she declared that what God would do for the NUJ and its members in 2026 would surpass past experiences, adding that the presence of God would “overtake the union and its members.”
Rev. Ekongetta encouraged the NUJ to sustain its annual spiritual programme, describing it as powerful and pleasing to God.
Comrade Bassey also recalled a personal covenant she made upon assuming office, praying that “nothing dies in my hand,” a reflection, she said, of the daily risks journalists face while carrying out their professional duties, particularly on unsafe roads.
Meanwhile, in a six-point communiqué issued after the Congress, the NUJ decried the deplorable state of federal highways, especially the Ikom–Calabar and Odukpani–Uyo roads, warning that frequent accidents on the routes threaten lives and economic activities, and urged both Cross River and Akwa Ibom State governments to urgently carry out remedial works.
The Congress also appealed to the owner of a high-rise building under construction beside the NUJ secretariat to comply with safety regulations, noting that falling debris had already damaged part of the Council’s roof and posed serious risks to journalists working within the premises.
